Developments

Alstom Grid energises Jeju Island in South Korea

Alstom Grid has successfully energised the second High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) turnkey project in South Korea, following the first also delivered by Alstom in 1997. The newly energised project, awarded in 2009, establishes a 400 MW HVDC bi-directional transmission line between Jindo and the island of Jeju. With 50 million people, South Korea is an energy-intensive nation, ranked eleventh worldwide in total energy consumption. Yet, it imports 82 per cent of the total energy it consumes. Since 2006, the Korean government has developed new energy policies to become more energy independent, meet growing demand and increase energy efficiency. Jeju Island is located 100 km south of the peninsular mainland at 73 km wide and 41 km long. Known as the country’s honeymoon and holiday destination, the island previously operated on an independent electric network; it faced frequent blackouts and unstable power supply due to the network’s lack of efficiency and low power capacity. “Alstom supplied the first HVDC link at 300 MW between Jeju Island and the mainland in 1997. This second project, first of its kind at a power capacity of 400 MW in South Korea, demonstrates the Alstom’s efficient commissioning management, and commitment to continuous innovation in the high voltage energy management,” said Patrick Plas, Senior Vice President Power Electronics & Automation for Alstom Grid. Alstom’s HVDC technology is well-aligned with Korea’s ambition for a low-carbon economy, and is essential to carrying large amounts of power across long distances, with minimal losses. The new HVDC link is designed to be bi-directional, where power flow goes in both directions between the mainland and Jeju Island. This ensures that increasing renewable power on Jeju Island will be integrated for mainland use. The global HVDC market is expected to grow by €40 billion between now and 2020. In 2013, Alstom […]

High strength cellular aluminium foam for the automotive industry

Aluminium foam is used for applications that requires high level of energy and sound absorption characteristics. Researchers have developed an innovative process to make high strength cellular aluminium foam with help from some salt. Aluminium foam exhibits unique properties when compared to its dense form, particularly its lightweight characteristics. Generally, the foam can be divided into two categories; closed cell and open cell, both have different characteristics and applications. The features of the closed cell are, the pores structure is isolated and they are not connected to each other. This type of aluminium foam is suitable for application that requires high level of energy and sound absorption characteristics. It has been used widely in many structural parts, particularly in areas exposed to high damping capacity, for example in the automotive front bumper component. Meanwhile, the open cell, owing to greater level of connectivity of the pores, the structure has been accepted and used in thermal management applications. One such promising application is as a heat exchanger, particularly as a cooling medium to transfer heat, due to the development of its porous structure, which provides greater surface area, thus, enabling improved heat transfer efficiency. Producing a combined structure of open and closed cell in one volume component appears to be a difficult process due to the different processing techniques involved and their individual limitations. Therefore, in this study, an innovative processing route for high strength cellular aluminium foam (CAF) by integrating porous and dense structures is presented. The CAF is well known as a light-weight product exhibiting high level of inter-connected porosity which is very useful as a thermal management application, particularly as a heat transfer or cooling medium. However, the level of strength for the CAF is not really promising when it is subjected to high impact; thus, limit its […]

Gemalto to provide secure M2M solution for car manufacturers in China

Gemalto (Euronext NL0000400653 GTO), world leader in digital security announces that Flaircomm Microelectronics Inc., a high-tech company developing devices for the automotive industry, is integrating Gemalto’s M2M solution in their telematics control unit (T-Box). The solution designed for car manufacturers in China includes the Cinterion(R) MIM and integrates smoothly with in-car cellular networks. The T-box is ruggedised for extreme conditions including high temperatures, pressures and vibrations. It can inform the driver of the car conditions such as oil pressure, car speed, and engine status, as well as providing information on nearest amenities like petrol stations and convenience stores. If the car breaks down or is involved in an accident, an emergency call (eCall) will also be triggered automatically for assistance and medical help. “According to Strategy Analysts, the connected car market in China could exceed RMB 200 billion (EUR 23.5 billion) by 2020,” said Luke Shi, Chairman of Flaircomm Microelectronics Inc. “Working with Gemalto puts us in a good position to address that mega-trend. We have also passed the joint debugging test carried out by ten European operators, and so we have become a key player in the automotive industry for both domestic and international markets.” “Gemalto already has a significant M2M footprint in China, offering M2M solutions to leading providers,” added Michael Wallon, Vice President of M2M Sales for Asia Pacific at Gemalto. “We are fully committed to meeting Flaircomm’s current and future needs, with a complete M2M offering that can include Cinterion(R) modules and secure personalization after the MIM has been deployed. For our customers, this means simplified cross-border movement of M2M devices and unparalleled flexibility in instantly bringing on board international network partners.”

ATAG: Supporting Asia-Pacific Regional Growth Through Aviation

GENEVA – The air transport industry plays an important role in supporting the growth of economies across Asia-Pacific, according to a new study released today by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) at its Global Sustainable Aviation Summit in Geneva, Switzerland. The report, Aviation: Benefits Beyond Borders outlines how air transport supports 24.2 million jobs and $516 billion in gross domestic product (GDP) in Asia-Pacific. Often overlooked when discussing aviation are the benefits that the industry has ‘beyond the airport’. This includes supporting millions of jobs in the wider economy; enabling business trips, the travel of friends and relatives, tourism and the rapid delivery of cargo – including high-value, high-tech components. Of the 24 million jobs across the region, 1.8 million are within the industry itself and the rest are supported as part of the industry’s supply chain and the significant role air transport plays in the tourism sector. ATAG executive director, Michael Gill, says that the report also outlines the worldwide impact of the industry, “Looking at the global benefits of aviation, our report identifies that the air transport industry supports over 58 million jobs and $2.4 trillion in GDP worldwide. At the current rate of growth, we expect aviation to support over 100 million jobs and $5.8 trillion in GDP around the world within two decades.” ATAG has established a web resource to outline some of these benefits: www.aviationbenefits.org. Commenting on the report, Andrew Herdman, director general of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), said, “Aviation is a key driver of economic and social development, particularly here in Asia. This report highlights the fact that the Asia-Pacific region, with close to one billion passengers flying annually, now accounts for 32% of passenger traffic worldwide. “Looking ahead, timely investments in associated infrastructure will be needed to match the […]

Omni Stop provides pedestrian protection

There are regular reports of incidents where vehicles have crashed into construction zones, bus stops, pavement cafes and retail shop windows. Protecting lives from potential injury or death is paramount for all authorities so after each of these incidents, there is an investigation to assess whether or not it could have been prevented. One way to prevent out of control vehicles crashing into work zones or pedestrian areas is to erect a barrier which affords protection but does not restrict everyday activities on, or adjacent to, a road. Some common types of barrier, such as precast concrete sections or water-filled plastic units, provide inadequate protection and in some cases increase damage and injury to drivers and pedestrians. The Omni Stop Bollard is an energy absorbing bollard that is the only one of its type in Australia. It has been extensively crash-tested with impacts up to 60 kilometres per hour and complies with the requirements of AS/NZS3845:1999 Table 5.3.3(3). The Omni Stop Bollard permits access for workers to a construction zone or pedestrians to a shopping precinct while at the same time preventing vehicle penetration. PICTURE: Vehicle travelling at 60 km per hour safely stopped with minimal deflection of the Omni Stop Bollard. Designed, assembled and tested in Australia, the Omni Stop Bollard is available from Saferoads. Based in West Gippsland, Victoria, Saferoads has been servicing State government departments, local councils and road construction companies with a broad range of products designed to direct, protect, inform and illuminate all road users since 1992. The carbon steel bollard of the Omni Stop is supported by a unique energy absorbing cartridge that is encased in a concrete footing. When the bollard is impacted, the cartridge deforms and absorbs the kinetic energy of the vehicle. When a 1600 kilogram car at 60 kilometres per hour […]

Composite helicopter made in New Zealand

This years’ spectacular show centrepiece at EMEX 2014 is the New Zealand designed and built carbon fibre composite helicopter manufactured in Dairy Flat by the Composite Helicopter Co. It wasn’t a good look for the prototype machine to ditch into Auckland harbour, but that’s in the past, those days are gone and fine tuning and learning from the experience helped owner Peter Maloney to move on, make the changes needed for success. The KC518 helicopter has strong support worldwide and now with new carbon blades is well positioned to forge ahead. The benefits of this kind of helicopter are endless and when NZ Manufacturer first wrote about it, we recognised the innovation and forward-thinking and dedication of Peter Maloney and his team. The helicopter is a good example of Kiwi ingenuity and importantly, the prototype becoming the product, being made on our shores and available for sale around the world with orders already being taken. An all-composite fuselage helicopter is one thing, robustness another, as is fuel efficiency and the advances in composite materials means a successful helicopter has been made from a structural perspective. Visit the website www.compositehelicopter.com, check out its features, learn about the challenges that were faced building a fuel-efficient, balanced composite flying machine that the world is sitting up and taking notice of. There are many firsts with the KC518 – amongst them: it can be used by the military and VIPs, it is corporate and is the helicopter of the future.

I2R showcases innovations for a world of increased productivity and efficiency

Singapore – A*STAR’s Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) is continuing its efforts to help international organisations move their business forward and enabling local SMEs gain their competitive edge through increased productivity. The home-grown innovations showcased at IoT (Internet of Things) Asia 2014 in April and at A*STAR’s SME Day. Last October, I2R exhibited its ‘ready-to-go’ ICM productivity solutions at its annual flagship event, ICM Horizons. This was in response to the National Productivity Council’s call to boost the productivity and efficiency of Singapore’s local enterprises to drive productivity for labour-constrained SMEs. PICTURE: The Age & Gender Recognition Technology is able to measure audience demographic by detecting frontal human faces on digital video stream. Within a span of six months, more than 57 of I2R’s technology deployments have been implemented by 27 SMEs, with technologies ranging from image recognition, augmented reality to sensor networks. Feinmetall, a local SME in precision engineering, is now using the image recognition technology ‘Snap2Tell Alive’ mobile application, which streams instructional videos of production equipment to mobile devices, allowing customers to view these easily instead of referring to printed manuals or consulting technicians. This enhances the productivity of Feinmetall as their technicians need not be present at their customers’ premises. At the same time, customers’ equipment downtime is reduced, as they can now bring the equipment back to operation without much delay. IoT Asia 2014 The inaugural IoT (Internet of Things) Asia Exhibition and Conference is the first in the region to focus on bringing IoT technology and tranformation to end-businesses, governments and society. It provides a spectrum of enterprise platform solutions for Multinational Corporations (MNCs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to integrate within their product or solution offerings and enables them to gain an edge in information business. I2R is one of the founding members of […]

GMP makes significant contribution to New Zealand’s organic programme

GMP Dairy Limited has launched ‘Ogni’ organic dairy product range and announced that they have gained a significant organic export order to China. GMP is a leading manufacturing company specialising in a wide range of natural health and dairy products of Australian and New Zealand origin. In the Picture from the left: Ravinesh Kumaran – Acting General Manager – GMP Dairy Limited; Mr. Chen Feihua – Vice General Manager of Salt Bureau of Guangdong Province; Mr. Peng Haibin – Chairman of Guangdong Salt Bureau of Guangdong Province; Minesh Patel – General Manager – GMP Pharmaceuticals Limited;Stuart Gray – General Manager, Fonterra Global Sales New Zealand; Jami-Lee Ross – National MP for Botany and Eion Jansen – National Sales Manager – Fonterra New Zealand The company is playing a pioneer role in New Zealand’s organic dairy programme utilising their expertise to realise high value, market ready products for export, especially into Asia. The potential for high quality organic products is huge as nations around the world look to enhance dairy products for their consumers. Organic products are highly sought after and fast becoming more the market standard than is necessarily realised. Fonterra is also an important player in this development, supplying to GMP a substantial quantity of their organic milk powder since 2012. And it gets better…GMP has reached an agreement with a significant State Owned Enterprise as its exclusive distributor in China. GMP is the recipient of significant business and export awards both in Australia and New Zealand for its successful business model and innovative solutions to international trade. The company’s business model is based on identifying, processing and transforming food and nutritional ingredients into high value finished products, especially for the Asia markets, where there is high demand for those products for cultural or nutritional benefits. The company started […]

What’s missing from your Lean initiative?

Most business owners and general managers recognise just how critically important proper equipment maintenance is, particularly in an asset-oriented work environment. Simply put, poorly maintained equipment leads to production downtime, lost revenue, dissatisfied customers, and low morale. Yet, in the context of lean initiatives, debates crop up regarding the role of preventive and predictive maintenance versus Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). Are preventive and predictive maintenance tactics sufficient? Isn’t TPM a separate initiative, a secondary consideration, or just plain extraneous to a primary lean implementation? Or, should lean and TPM be interconnected? In too many companies, equipment initiatives stop with preventive and predictive maintenance. TPM is a capability built on total asset reliability – and total employee involvement. More than traditional preventive maintenance, it is a systematic, data-driven process that fosters an efficient partnership between production, maintenance, and engineering, and that engages those closest to the work. It results in an organization’s ability to transition from reactive to proactive maintenance and to create low cost, even free capacity. More importantly, TPM has a dramatic impact on your organisational culture, overall operations – and your bottom line. It frees up valuable production capacity without the drain of capital investment. The direct and measureable results are better performance, increased capacity, improved quality, decreased scrap and waste, and increased reliability and efficiency. Without TPM, achieving lean flow is not possible; therefore TPM should be an integral part of any lean transformation. TPM in a Nutshell In essence, TPM is a strategy that empowers employees by enlisting equipment operators to participate actively in the design, selection, correction, and maintenance of equipment. The objective: to ensure that every machine or production process is always able to perform its required tasks without interrupting or slowing down defect-free production. Operators share. ‘Ownership’ for the equipment with which they work. TPM is viewed as ‘beginning-to-end maintenance’ that is critically important to business success. Downtime […]

Advanced hydraulics library for MapleSim

With the MapleSim Hydraulics Library, engineers can seamlessly incorporate industry-tested hydraulics components while continuing to take full advantage of all the modelling, analysis, and simulation abilities of MapleSim. MapleSim offers a modern approach to physical modelling and simulation, dramatically reducing model development and analysis time while producing fast, high-fidelity simulations. MapleSim enables modelling at the system level, so engineers can combine hydraulic subsystems with other domains and analyse their interactions. The MapleSim Hydraulics Library includes over 200 components for modelling pumps, motors, cylinders, restrictions, valves, hydraulic lines, lumped volumes, and sensors. It enables engineers to produce very high-fidelity models by accounting for compressible oil and cavitation effects, resulting in an extremely accurate view of system dynamics. Hydraulics systems are notoriously difficult to model with high accuracy, but so important to understanding system-level behaviour. The Hydraulics Library demonstrates the power of the Modelica standard platform for the systems engineering community.

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